Experts explain why theyre so valuable and how they work.
Since the pandemic hit, matchmakers report theirbusiness has been booming.
Theyre really ready now, she tells Bustle.
But its not just the daters whove changed.
Why Is Matchmaking Useful?
Instead, Wood says her job is to help daters set realistic goals.
Matchmakers arent here to change your preferences or needs.
Matchmaking is a great tool, but it is not the full toolbox, AH says.
Feedback whether its about your dating patterns or how youre coming across to dates is a unique benefit.
(And a stark contrast to theghosting many singles encounter on apps.)
Thats a critical part of the dating process, Wood says.
Compared to apps, Shaklee says, matchmaking is a human approach to dating.
They really [value] quality over quantity.
For Wood, however, its not just about top-notch matches.
Who Is Matchmaking For?
Shaklee, who met her spouse via a matchmaker, also squashes the notion that desperate people hire them.
I look at matchmakers as working with singles whocanget a date, she says.
Morgan says matchmaking appealed to her because she was craving a real connection with someone.
It didnt really matter to me which way I did it, she says.
so why not dating?
That kind of stuck with me.
As far as personality goes, the pros want flexibility.
Wood agrees singles have to consider people who arent historically their pop in.
Just like singles havea list of red flags, matchmakers have deal-breakers for potential clients, too.
Instead, she looks for self-assured clients.
I can tell when people dont know themselves … theres an ambivalence to everything, Wood says.
My youngest clients are 23, Shaklee says.
AHs clients arent a particular demographic it all depends on what theyre looking for and what she has available.
Shaklee spends up to an hour-and-a-half during these calls, mostly focused on values and compatibility.
We talk about personality types [and] discuss thefive love languagesin great detail, she says.
References And Home Tours
Some, like Wood, will want references.
Your home is your most intimate space, Wood says.
Getting Approved
If your matchmaker thinks they can match you, theyll bring you on board.
For those like AH and Wood, its time for a more in-depth 1:1 interview.
Getting Matches
Once a match is found, your matchmaker will see if theres interest.
AH and Shaklee, however, dont provide photos.
But I dont share photos because … Tinder exists.
Instead, shell share bios and invite clients to ask questions.
As for details, its first name and industry only.
Its a full Word doc that has two pictures, but a lot of background, she explains.
I had a really good sense of who he was.
AH sometimes gives pep talks beforehand.
I have clients who are coming out of a divorce or loss of a partner, she says.
I make a run at just encourage people to get through the date however is best for them.
Wood cant help but get excited during dates.
Im like, Man, its been like three hours [and] they havent called.
It must be going really, really well.
Post-Date Feedback Call
After the date, its time to debrief.
The most important thing I ask in that call is, Do you want to see this person again?
Shell share that information even if date #2 is a no-go.
How Much Does A Matchmaker Cost?
So, how much will a matchmaker set you back?
As Shaklee puts it, Its expensive.
Some offer services based on a number of guaranteed dates or matches, and others by time period.
I hired the big machine and it works, but its a different experience.
Youre talking to a salesperson.
They … have sales goals [and] quotas each month.
H4M is in the thousands, not the tens of thousands and clients can pay in three installments.
At Friend of a Friend Matchmaking, ayear of matchmakingstarts at $499 Canadian plus tax.
I say one to five matches generally over the course of the year.
Woods clients are on three- or six-month packages, which start at a few thousand dollars.
Platform-based matchmaking companies tend to offer date-based packages.
Its important to ask who will be making the matches.
Will it be a team of matchmakers?
Will I be considered with the full database of singles?
Or only other active matchmaking clients?
Nabeela used an Excel sheet to keep track of all the matchmakers she contacted in her search.
Narrow it down to your top five, and then have calls with them.
Morgan went with a word-of-mouth recommendation and ended up having chemistry with her matchmaker.
Morgan suggests looking for someone you could be honest with.
In fact, Shaklee refers to matchmakers as love agents.
If you were an actress, youd want the right agent, Shaklee says.
This is your love life you want the right agent.
